Cornell Powell Returns to the Kansas City Chiefs Squad

In the ever-shifting landscape of NFL rosters, familiarity and fit often matter as much as raw talent—and the Kansas City Chiefs are banking on both with the return of wide receiver Cornell Powell. The Chiefs announced Powell’s re-signing to the practice squad in late December, a move that comes as the team looks to bolster its depth at wide receiver amid late-season injuries and inconsistent production. Powell, a former fifth-round draft pick of the Chiefs in 2021, spent two seasons with the organization before being waived in 2023 and later bouncing around with the Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints. His return isn’t just a nostalgic nod to a former draft pick; it’s a strategic addition of a player who already knows the Chiefs’ offense, understands Andy Reid’s playcalling, and can step in quickly if needed. Cornell Powell Returns to the Kansas City Chiefs Squad explores why the Chiefs targeted Powell, his history with the team, and how he could contribute during the critical playoff push.

Powell’s journey back to Kansas City is rooted in a mix of past performance and present need. During his first stint with the Chiefs (2021-2022), he appeared in 19 games, primarily on special teams and as a depth receiver, catching 11 passes for 127 yards and one touchdown. While his stats were modest, he earned a reputation as a reliable route-runner and a hard worker—traits that endeared him to Reid and the coaching staff. What made Powell stand out most, however, was his ability to learn the Chiefs’ complex offense quickly, a skill that’s become invaluable as the team deals with injuries to wide receivers Kadarius Toney (hamstring) and Justin Watson (knee). With Toney and Watson sidelined, the Chiefs’ depth chart at wide receiver has thinned, leaving Patrick Mahomes with just Rashee Rice, Mecole Hardman, and a handful of unproven practice squad players as options beyond Travis Kelce. “Cornell knows our system inside and out, which is a huge plus,” said Chiefs wide receivers coach Joe Bleymaier. “He doesn’t need weeks to get up to speed—he can step in at practice this week and contribute right away. That’s exactly what we need right now.” Powell’s special teams experience also adds value; he played 30% of the Chiefs’ special teams snaps in 2022, helping with kickoff and punt coverage—areas where the Chiefs have struggled with consistency this season. Cornell Powell Returns to the Kansas City Chiefs Squad emphasizes that Powell’s return is a practical solution to the Chiefs’ immediate depth issues, not just a sentimental move.

To fully appreciate Powell’s return, it’s important to look at his development since leaving the Chiefs. After being waived by Kansas City in August 2023, Powell signed with the Raiders’ practice squad, where he spent most of the season before being promoted to the active roster in December. He appeared in three games for the Raiders, catching two passes for 25 yards, but failed to secure a long-term spot and was waived again in March 2024. He then signed with the Saints’ practice squad in September 2024 but was released after just six weeks. While these stints didn’t yield significant on-field production, they gave Powell valuable experience in different offensive systems and allowed him to refine his skills as a route-runner and pass-catcher. Friends and former teammates note that Powell returned to Kansas City with a more polished game—he’s improved his ability to create separation from cornerbacks and has become more reliable in catching contested passes. “Cornell’s always been a hard worker, but he’s come back more confident,” said Chiefs safety Justin Reid, who played with Powell in 2021-2022. “He’s seen different defenses, different schemes, and that’s made him a smarter player. I think he’s ready to contribute in a bigger way this time around.” Powell himself has echoed that sentiment, telling local reporters, “I learned a lot in my time away, and I’m grateful for the chance to come back to a place that feels like home. I’m ready to do whatever the team needs—whether that’s on offense, special teams, or just helping the younger guys learn the system.” Cornell Powell Returns to the Kansas City Chiefs Squad highlights that Powell’s time away from the Chiefs has helped him grow as a player, making him a more valuable addition now than he was during his first stint.

For the Kansas City Chiefs, Powell’s return comes at a critical juncture in the season—with just two regular-season games left and the playoffs looming. The Chiefs are currently in a tight race for the AFC’s top seed, and every roster spot matters as they look to avoid injuries and maintain depth for a potential Super Bowl run. Powell’s presence on the practice squad gives the Chiefs flexibility; they can promote him to the active roster if another wide receiver gets injured, or keep him on the practice squad to provide depth at practice and emergency insurance. The Kansas City Chiefs’ coaching staff has already integrated Powell into practice, having him run routes with the second-team offense and participate in special teams drills. Early reports from practice suggest Powell has picked up right where he left off, making several impressive catches during 11-on-11 drills, including a contested 20-yard grab over cornerback Joshua Williams. “It’s like he never left,” said Mahomes after practice. “He knows where to be, he runs precise routes, and he’s always in the right place at the right time. Having him back is a big boost for our offense, especially with some guys banged up.” Powell’s return also provides a familiar face in the locker room, which can help with team chemistry as the Chiefs enter the high-pressure playoff stretch. Younger players like Rice and Hardman have already sought out Powell for advice on navigating the Chiefs’ offense, and his veteran presence has been a calming influence. Cornell Powell Returns to the Kansas City Chiefs Squad shows that Powell’s value to the Chiefs extends beyond the field; he’s a locker room leader and a mentor to the team’s younger players.

Powell’s return also aligns with the Kansas City Chiefs’ long-standing philosophy of prioritizing “system fit” over flashy talent. Reid and general manager Brett Veach have built the Chiefs into a Super Bowl contender by drafting and signing players who understand and thrive in the team’s offensive and defensive schemes, even if they don’t have elite physical tools. Powell fits that mold perfectly—he’s not the fastest or most athletic wide receiver, but he’s precise, reliable, and knows how to get open in the Chiefs’ West Coast offense. This philosophy has served the Chiefs well in the past; players like Hardman and Watson were not top draft picks but became key contributors because they fit the system. With Powell back, the Chiefs are doubling down on that approach, betting that a player who already knows the ropes will be more valuable than an unproven talent who needs time to learn the offense. “We’ve always believed that system fit is crucial,” said Veach in a recent interview. “A player who understands our offense, our terminology, and our culture can contribute faster and more effectively than someone who’s more talented but needs months to get up to speed. Cornell checks all those boxes.” The Kansas City Chiefs also hope that Powell’s return will pay dividends in the playoffs, where depth and experience often make the difference. If the Chiefs face injuries to their top wide receivers in the postseason, Powell could be called upon to play significant snaps—and his familiarity with the offense could help the Chiefs avoid a drop-off in production. Cornell Powell Returns to the Kansas City Chiefs Squad underscores that Powell’s return is a reflection of the Chiefs’ winning philosophy, and a bet that system knowledge will lead to success in the playoffs.

Looking ahead, the Kansas City Chiefs will continue to evaluate Powell in practice, with an eye toward potentially promoting him to the active roster for the team’s Week 17 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Even if he doesn’t see significant playing time in the regular season, Powell’s presence on the practice squad provides valuable depth and insurance for the playoffs. For Powell, the return to Kansas City is a second chance to prove himself as an NFL player—and he’s determined to make the most of it. “I’m not here to just be a practice squad player,” Powell said. “I’m here to contribute, to help this team win, and to earn a spot on the active roster. This is my chance, and I’m not going to waste it.” For Chiefs fans, Powell’s return is a reminder of the team’s commitment to building a deep, cohesive roster—and a sign that the organization is leaving no stone unturned in its quest for another Super Bowl title. While Powell may not be a household name, his return could end up being a key piece of the Chiefs’ playoff puzzle. Cornell Powell Returns to the Kansas City Chiefs Squad concludes that in the high-stakes world of NFL playoff football, it’s often the unsung players—those who know the system, work hard, and stay ready—who make the biggest difference. And with Cornell Powell back in the fold, the Kansas City Chiefs are one step closer to having all the pieces they need to compete for another championship.